The Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Nicholas Castellanos from the Detroit Tigers for two pitching prospects, including 2017 first-round pick Alex Lange.
Castellanos, 27, is hitting .273 with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs in 100 games, entering Wednesday’s action tied for the major league lead with 37 doubles. He has spent all seven seasons of his major league career with Detroit, batting .274 with 104 home runs.
“Nick has grown from a draft pick to one of the best hitters in the American League, and we thank him for his years wearing the Olde English ‘D’,” said Tigers general manager Al Avila.
Castellanos is in the final year of his contract. The Tigers reportedly approached him about a contract extension earlier in the season.
Lange, a 23-year-old right-hander, was the 30th overall pick in 2017 out of LSU. He is 2-3 with a 3.92 ERA in seven starts at Double-A Tennessee this season after going 1-9 with a 7.36 ERA at Advanced Class-A Myrtle Beach.
The Cubs also sent pitcher Paul Richan to the Tigers. The 22-year-old right-hander is 10-5 with a 3.97 ERA at Myrtle Beach.
“Richan is a true competitor on the mound and knows how to pitch with his arsenal better than most at his age,” Avila said. “… Lange shows great run and life on his fastball, complemented by solid bite on his off-speed pitches. Both these players are welcome additions to our player development system.”